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Merton streets go hi-tech with new smart bins

Merton Council has installed new smart bins in four locations across the borough, following the success of these bins in its most popular parks.

Cllr Judy Saunders and Cllr Stephen Alambritis with one of the new smart bins on Tramway Path, London Road, Mitcham

The special bins use solar power to operate internal compactors which squash down the rubbish inside, significantly increasing the capacity of each bin. This same power is also used to send a signal to the street cleaning team to let them know when they are full. The bins will make the service much more efficient and allow the council’s street cleaning crews to focus on areas that need more attention.

The bins are in Rookwood Avenue, West Barnes; The Chase, Wimbledon; Tramway Path and Northborough Road in Mitcham.

Merton Council cabinet member for environmental cleanliness Councillor Judy Saunders said: “These bins will mean that our street cleaning team will know exactly when to go and empty them so they won’t have to waste time travelling to the bins only to find that they do not need emptying. They can then focus much more on areas that need to be cleaned more. We are committed to keeping the streets clean, leaving no excuses for people to drop litter on our streets, and these bins are all part of our anti-litter campaign.”